A series of big decisions have been made by Bracknell Forest Council this last month.

Votes were held at a full meeting of the council on three big topics.

Two of the topics were introduced by the council’s executive committee last month, but required members to vote.

Councillors have to vote to approve new spending and on declarations made on behalf of the whole council. They also must vote on members motions.

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The full council meeting was held by Bracknell Forest Council which took place on Wednesday, July 14.

Here are the big decisions that were made:

Conversion of Time Square into a community hub

Bracknell News: Bracknell Forest Council in Time Square, Bracknell. Credit: Bracknell Forest CouncilBracknell Forest Council in Time Square, Bracknell. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

The policy to convert the council’s offices in Time Square into a community hub went to a vote at the full council meeting.

Councillors had to vote on the plan as it involved a new spending project. The project has been costed at £604,000. Once the transformation is completed, Time Square will have space for a café, ceremony room for weddings and citizenship celebrations and a new meeting area.

The upgrade and spending was approved unanimously.

When it was introduced to the executive committee, the council officer presenting the proposal said that works could begin quickly  and the project could be completed by the end of October this year.

Motion that council opposes any moves by the Government to abolish Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System (ICS)

Bracknell News: Wexham Park Hospital entrance with Frimley signage. Credit: Mike SwiftWexham Park Hospital entrance with Frimley signage. Credit: Mike Swift

Cllr Mary Temperton (Labour) introduced a motion to urge the council to oppose any attempt to abolish the  Frimley Health and Care ICS, which Bracknell Forest residents currently benefit from.

It follows a suggestion by Surrey County Council to make the Frimley Health and Care ICS fit within the boundaries of Surrey County, rather than the current boundary of the Frimley Park NHS Trust, which serves patients in Bracknell Forest.

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The ICS is in charge of planning health and wellbeing throughout the area. While Cllr Temperton acknowledged that people in Bracknell would still be able to go to hospitals governed by Frimley Health, even if the changes are made, Bracknell Forest would lose out from the benefits the ICS brings.

Cllr Dale Birch, the Conservative executive member for health, supported the motion, which was passed unanimously.

Adoption of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism

The Executive Committee’s acceptance of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism was adopted at the full council meeting.

It defines antisemitism as “certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” This can have verbal and physical manifestations, and includes negative stereotyping of Jewish people.

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Notably, it does allow for criticism of the actions of the Israeli government. The definition states: “Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.”

The motion passed unanimously.

The following councillors apologised for their absence: Nigel Atkinson (CON), Gbadebo, Jennie Green (CON), Mrs Dorothy Hayes MBE (CON), Miss Suki Hayes (CON), Tina McKenzie Boyle (CON), Malcolm Tullett (Independent Conservative,  Tony Virgo (CON) and Thomas Parker (Liberal Democrat).